Master of Business Administration
Flexible learning, real world experiences and professional development opportunities.
Capital’s integrated approach will help you to develop a comprehensive understanding of how businesses thrive. The program is designed to engage new graduates and early-career professionals from any educational background seeking to expand their knowledge. Our goal is to expand not only students’ business understanding but also their connections to their peers and the local business community in order to enhance their career potential.
Choose your completion path: 1 year accelerated full-time, 4+1, or part-time
Students can attend either part-time or full-time. Our 7-week long core courses are designed to leverage the convenience of online learning with the benefits of an interactive classroom experience. Students will apply their new knowledge immediately with full-semester case courses utilizing real companies. Since all our courses are offered in the evening, students have the ability to work during the day, engage in internships, volunteer, or even participate on sport teams.
Designed for you to excel.
Our innovative 7-week MBA Foundations* course serves as an introduction to graduate-level education, allows you to network with your peers, and will provide you with a solid business foundation. Our professional development support helps students identify professional opportunities, develop their resumes, and build a network in the local business community.
*Business-related graduates within the last 3 years can petition to waive the MBA Foundations course.
What a Capital MBA can do for YOU
The Capital MBA welcomes students from all academic and professional backgrounds. Our coursework and hands-on learning opportunities are designed to broaden your perspective and open new career possibilities. If you have a foundation in business, our rigorous curriculum will deepen your expertise, challenge your thinking, and prepare you for higher levels of leadership. If you’re coming from another field, you’ll gain the business acumen to complement your existing skills—allowing you to approach challenges from a fresh perspective and unlock new career paths. By bringing together professionals with diverse insights, our program fosters a collaborative environment where you’ll expand your knowledge, sharpen your decision-making, and build the confidence to lead in any industry.
At Capital, you won’t just earn a graduate degree—you’ll gain the expertise and confidence to create the future you want, wherever that takes you.
- Develop business expertise
- Advance your existing career
- Increase your earnings potential
- Expand job opportunities and opportunities for job promotion
- Develop strong management and leadership skills
- Improve communication skills
- Build your professional network
Credit Hours
Student to Faculty Ratio
Fortune 1000 Companies in Columbus
Explore this Program
The School of Management and Leadership offers five undergraduate degrees (Accounting, Business Management, Finance, Marketing, and Sport Business), the MBA, and two joint graduate degrees in collaboration with the School of Nursing (MSN/MBA) and the Capital University Law School (JD/MBA). Our mission is to prepare future business leaders to be productive and successful through a combination of engaging academics and hands-on, real-world experiences.
To apply for the MBA program, review the information and requirements below and then Apply Online. For additional questions, reach out to the Graduate Admission Office at adult-grad@capital.edu or 614-236-6425.
Application Deadline: May 1
Cohorts begin once a year during the summer semester. Admission will continue beyond this date as space permits. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, but to ensure full consideration, apply by May 1 to begin the program in the Summer.
Admission Requirements
- Undergraduate Experience and Official Transcripts
The minimum desired undergraduate cumulative GPA is 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants with a GPA below 3.0 may be considered for conditional admission. If admitted conditionally, students must pass MBA 500 with a minimum grade of “B” to move from conditional admission to full admission.Applicants must also submit official transcripts from every post-secondary institution where they received college credit.
- Resume
Applicants must submit a current resume outlining any professional and academic experience. - Statement of Intent
Applicants are asked to submit a statement of intent outlining their goals and motivations for pursuing an MBA at Capital. - References
Applicants will provide a list of three references and submit two recommendation letters. The two letters may be from individuals included in the list of three references. References from current or former employers are encouraged. Please have your references fill out the Reference Form (PDF) found in the MBA application and attach their recommendation letter to support your candidacy for the Capital MBA program. - Interview
A formal interview is not required for admission. However, Capital University reserves the right to request an interview with any candidate if clarification is needed regarding their application materials. - International Applicants
International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency by meeting the university’s TOEFL or IELTS requirements.All transcripts from institutions outside the United States must be evaluated by one of the three third-party services approved by Capital University: World Education Services (WES), Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE), or SpanTran.
Additional Admission Information
GMAT scores
GMAT scores are not required, but a strong GMAT score could strengthen an application.
Professional Experience
There is no work experience requirement for admission.
Capital’s School of Management and Leadership is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). The ACBSP is a global business education accrediting body that adheres to a standard of excellence in an accreditation process that is based on the Baldrige Education Criteria for Performance Excellence. The ACBSP evaluates strength of leadership, strategic planning, relationships with stakeholders, quality of academic programs, faculty credentials, and educational support when granting accreditation. ACBSP endorses business programs who offer a rigorous educational experience and commitment to continuous quality improvement.
Sample Classes
- Managerial Economics
- Analytical Methods
- Organizational Behavior
- Managerial Accounting
- Marketing Management
- Financial Management
- Operations Management
- Business Strategy
Quick Links
Frequently Asked Questions
Students will participate in orientation and the MBA Essentials class in the second summer term, which generally begins in late June or early July. After the summer start, fall and spring semesters are divided into two terms with two classes each term. A Case Project class will run the duration of each semester. Graduation is in May of each year. Full time students take 4 core classes and one case class per semester and will graduate in one year. Part-time students will take 24 months to complete the program.
Yes. The first course, MBA Essentials, is offered in mid-summer. It is a 7-week business foundations class that prepares MBA students for future success in the program
The cost before aid is $750 per credit hour, plus fees and books. Graduate student scholarships and tuition reimbursements are often offered through employer reimbursement programs. Students are encouraged to talk with their human resources office for tuition reimbursement options. Information regarding tuition reimbursement repayment deferrals can be found by downloading the Capital University Tuition Reimbursement Planning document. Additional graduate school scholarship options can be found on our Graduate Student Scholarships page.
For more information contact the Financial Aid Office at financialaid@capital.edu or by contacting the Graduate Admission Office at 614-236-6425 or adult-grad@capital.edu
The Capital MBA welcomes students from all academic backgrounds. We believe that this variety of academic perspectives will contributes to the program’s strength and enriches each cohort member. For non-business majors, the MBA Essentials Course will be an important step to prepare for the coursework that will follow.
No! This program is designed for new graduates or early career professionals to help launch their career. New undergraduates who demonstrate notable work, volunteer work, internship, and/or leadership experience will also be considered.
No. GMAT scores are not required, but a strong GMAT score could strengthen an application.
Yes, a part-time option is available. Both full-time and part-time students begin their study in the summer term.
"The strengths of Capital's MBA program lies in the small class sizes, the opportunity to learn in person and online, and professors with years of experience in business. The diverse backgrounds/work experiences of all of the instructors has been helpful to inform my own experience. In Capital's program, I don't feel like just a number. Instructors meet you where you are with grace. They sincerely want you to succeed."
Lily Bartholomew, MBA. Class of 2026.
